About This Strategic Storytelling Course

“A story is the fastest way to build a bridge or break a wall.”  —Ameen Haque, Storywallahs

People remember stories, but forget facts. The best stories are those that spread great ideas like wildfire, taking their audience on an emotional journey and inspiring them to take action. This is why effective storytelling for nonprofits is such a powerful—and essential—tool, in order for you to grab people’s attention, make your message memorable, and inspire others to contribute to your cause.

This free online storytelling course is packed with tools, best practices, and a step-by-step narrative framework that will enable anyone to improve how they create and share their stories.  You will learn how to translate facts into emotions, turn the typical “I” story into a “we” story to engage your audience, craft a catchy Super Short Story for social media, and apply the secrets used by master storytellers such as Steve Jobs and Hollywood writers to make your story come alive. 

Along the way, you will meet an expert practitioner who will explain why the art of storytelling is their #1 recruiting and fundraising tool, and how it has helped transform their organization to maximize their impact.

Course Topics:

• Module 1: The Power of Storytelling
  Understand the benefits of storytelling, including how stories evoke emotions and move people to greater action
• Module 2: Create Your Story (Part 1)
  Learn how to write the first 2 steps of the Narrative Arc: Hook & Challenge
• Module 3: Create Your Story (Part 2)
  Learn how to write the final 4 steps of the Narrative Arc: Solution, How-To, Impact & Next Steps
• Module 4: Tailor Your Story to Your Audience
  Edit and tailor your story to your audience’s interests, and create your Call to Action
• Module 5: Share Your Story
  Choose the best story medium for your narrative: Written, Spoken, Video or Audio Story, and build your Story Bank for the future

Who Should Take This Free Online Storytelling Course?

This storytelling training course is perfect for anyone working on social impact or development issues who would like to learn how to write and tell a story well, and how to share their story with funders, beneficiaries, partners, organizations, government agencies, or the general public.

In order to take this free online storytelling course, you will need a device that allows you to access course materials, watch videos, and upload your assignments.

Certification

The University is a non-degree, diploma or credit granting initiative. Philanthropy U, Inc. is the concept developer and sponsor of the initiative. Learners are not entitled to earn college or other academic credit.

Learners are eligible to receive a Certificate of Achievement for this course. To earn a Certificate of Achievement, you need to earn more than 50% of possible points on quizzes and assignments to obtain a passing grade. Quizzes are worth 15% of your total score, while assignments are worth 85%.